Massive Build Volume

If there were an equivalent app for catching resin 3D printers similar to PokemonGo, your Resindex would probably be pretty crowded these days. MSLA resin 3D printers are popping up left, right and centre, but one with a truly large build volume, such as this Epax X156, is still a rare sight, even if you were to comb through all the high grass of Kanto.

With a 346 x 194 x 400 mm build volume, the Epax X156 is about as big as commercially available resin 3D printers get. For engineers and designers looking to make larger, detailed parts for end-use products, prop-making, or even batch production of smaller parts, the Epax X156 could prove an essential tool for the workshop. Without sacrificing detail (too much, more on it below), Epax has managed to create a machine capable of printing parts as large as a full-sized adult’s helmet in one solid print.

4K RGB Screen

Printing large, or in the X156’s case extra-large, is one thing. Printing highly detailed is another.

The Epax X156 houses a 15.6-inch 4K RGB screen. With 3840 x 2160 pixels spread across its 346 x 194 mm build surface, the printer can produce prints with an XY accuracy of 90 microns.

To adamant followers of the current status in resin 3D printing, this might not sound too impressive at first, as there are resolutions as low as 35 microns, such as on the (by comparison tiny), recently announced Elegoo Mars 3 and even other large printers such as the Phrozen Mega 8K with its build volume of 330 x 185 x 400 mm and a resolution of 43 microns. In general, the larger a screen is the more K (pixels) it needs to keep down those micron numbers, as pixels have to spread across a wider area.

If you would compare a small and detailed print of the X156 to some of the above-mentioned, up close, you would probably be able to spot a slight difference in granularity. Nevertheless, you can still produce pretty high detailed prints way cleaner compared to what you would get on an FDM machine.

No Mono screen

The screen currently used on the Epax X156 to mask the layers is RGB. Compared to the monochrome successors you will find on most resin 3D printers these days, the RGB screens absorb more light and therefore need longer curing times per layer as well as more timely replacement, as the prolonged exposure deteriorates the screen’s pixels quicker.

Typically mono screens last about four times longer than the ~500 hours of use you would get on a non-mono equivalent, and layer curing times would be around a third of the 8-10 seconds you will need on the Epax X156. So, it looks like Epax is a bit behind the times here

Screen Upgrades

Or is it? Upon release, Epax already provided upgrades to the X156 – primarily a 13.3-inch monochrome 4K screen the company uses on its X133 resin printer. The screen mounting bracket on the X156 is modular, and you can upgrade the printer yourself. The 13.3-inch mono screen will shrink down the print volume to 293 x 165 x 400 mm, but allow the X156 to produce prints at an XY accuracy of 76 microns alongside the additional benefit of lasting longer and printing (layers) faster.

We have it from Epax that a 15.6-inch 4K mono screen and even a 5.5K mono screen upgrade kit for the X156 is in the works and should find its way to the shop sometime this fall. However, keep in mind that monochrome screens, while lasting longer, are more expensive to replace.

Improved Fep Foil

Like previous Epax releases, the X156 features the brand’s nFEP (non-FEP) foil made from a special blend of Teflon.

Epax claims the foil is smoother than conventional FEP films, has high-temperature resistance (the array of LEDs needed to light up the massive build area produce quite a lot of heat), and provides greater air permeability, resulting in less vacuum suction force. The larger a print is, the more peel force applies every time the print plate lifts after curing a layer. This should mean fewer print artifacts and failures.

Connectivity & UI

The Epax X156 houses a ChiTu mainboard and runs on ChiTu firmware, which offers an easy-to-use interface that lets you control the printer via its 3.5-inch color touchscreen.

As such, ChiTuBox might be your go-to slicer. It is a highly capable resin slicer with everything you need for successful resin 3D printing. For the more professional user, ChiTu released a ChiTuBox Pro version that gives you even greater control of your prints with functions such as professional all-in-one model repair, multi-parameter slicing, and much more.

Find out more

ChiTuBox Goes Pro: Premium Slicer Adds Analysis, Per Model Settings, Tagging, and More

However, the Epax X156 is not confined to any proprietary software and can be used with multiple slicers, such as Lychee – another powerful resin slicer.

To transfer the sliced files from your computer to the X156, you can either use a USB stick or connect the printer via its Ethernet port. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi connectivity is not an option at the time of writing.

Sturdy Build

The Epax X156 has a tank-like build, weighing in at around 45 kg. Epax even issues an extra warning, advising you to move or install with at least two people. Probably solid advice.

Apart from being super heavy, its robust construction should counter any unwanted vibrations during printing. Its dual linear rail guides should provide the lead screw with guidance to move more precisely and minimize Z-wobble issues, resulting in a reliable and consistent operation.

Further Features

Additional features on the Epax X156 include:

• A factory-leveled printing plate with a manual leveling system
• A sandblasted, angled print plate with large handles for convenient operation
• Huge metal resin vat with a capacity of 2.5 liters